Calcium Supplementation found to Offset Bone Density Loss in Women Using Birth Control Pills.

According to a study conducted at Purdue University and published online July 5, 2005 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, consuming a recommended calcium intake of 1,000 mg per day appears to be critical for women taking oral contraceptives, to maximize bone density and avoid developing osteoporosis in later life. More than 80% of all women have used or currently use birth control pills and may have adversely-effected bone density.

Researchers recruited subjects who were healthy women between the ages of 18 and 30 years, with a dietary calcium intake of less than 800 mg per day. Of 135 women who completed the study, 57 concurrently took birth control pills. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control (less than 800 mg per day calcium), medium dairy consumption (calcium of 1,000 to 1,100 mg per day) and high dairy consumption (calcium of 1,200 to 1,300 mg per day). Subjects were assigned randomly to groups, with women currently taking the pill assigned equally among the groups.

Researchers measured total body bone-mineral density (BMD) and bone-mineral content (BMC), hip BMD and BMC, and spine BMD and BMC. Increased dairy intake, which provided greater calcium intake, benefited BMD and BMC in all areas measured.

Researchers concluded that health care practitioners should advise women who take oral contraceptives to increase their calcium intake. They estimated that women who consume 1,000 mg per day of calcium could reduce their risk of osteoporosis by 3 to 10% over a one year period.

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